Taekwondo Mouthguards

Quick answer: in taekwondo, a mouthguard is compulsory for sparring and has to work with the head guard without getting in the way of your breathing during explosive exchanges. In competition, many rules require a white or clear model: check your federation’s rules before ordering. A well-moulded boil-and-bite model is fine for starting out; a custom-fit model holds more securely once head kicks become a regular occurrence.

In this guide

1. Sparring and poomsae
2. Colour and rules
3. With the head guard
4. Choosing by level
5. Children and braces

A mouthguard for sparring, not for poomsae

Taekwondo is practised as poomsae, technical sequences without an opponent, and as sparring, where kicks to the head are allowed and rewarded. It is in sparring that the mouthguard is compulsory, in training as in competition. A foot that reaches the face, even a controlled one, transmits a significant shock to the teeth and lips; the mouthguard, or gum shield, creates a cushioning interface between the arches.

Base your choice on what you actually do: someone who only does poomsae or technical work on pads does not have the same needs as a fighter who spars every week. As soon as there is an opponent, the mouthguard is part of the kit in the same way as the chest protector and head guard.

Colour, shape and inspection before competition

Sparring rules often specify the colour of the mouthguard: white or clear is frequently required, with exceptions for people wearing braces on presentation of a supporting document. Read the current version of the rules of the French Taekwondo Federation, or of the organiser, before choosing a colour. Proteksports offers a clear colour on its custom-fit models to meet this requirement.

During the equipment inspection, the guard must be clean, in good condition and properly fitted. A crack, a detached part or an edge that hurts means it should be replaced, even if the model still seems usable.

Wearing a mouthguard with the head guard

A taekwondo head guard leaves the face uncovered, or includes a visor depending on the model. It does not protect the mouth: the mouthguard remains essential. Try the two together, chin strap fastened, to check that one does not shift the other and that you can breathe freely through your mouth during a combination.

Test the retention with your mouth open, shouting the kihap and moving around. If the guard falls when you relax your jaw, it will not stay in place under a spinning kick. A model that forces you to clench your teeth constantly tires the jaw and makes breathing harder.

Boil-and-bite or custom-fit, depending on your level

For starting out or recreational practice, a boil-and-bite mouthguard (thermoformable, moulded at home in hot water) moulded by following the instructions offers decent protection at a low price. Take the time to mould it, let it cool and check the retention before your first sparring session.

For regular fighters, competitors and anyone bothered by a standard model, a custom-fit mouthguard made from a dental impression gives a precise fit and a slimmer profile that breathes better. At Proteksports, generally allow 5–10 days after your impression has been approved: plan ahead of a championship. The karate guide describes similar criteria for kumite.

Taekwondo for children and braces

Taekwondo has many young practitioners. In children, growth and milk teeth falling out quickly make a mouthguard unsuitable: check it at the start of every season and as soon as a tooth moves or comes through. A model that squeezes an erupting tooth must be replaced.

With orthodontic braces, ask the orthodontist for advice: the lips and cheeks need protecting from the brackets while leaving room for the treatment. The dentist guide details the situations that call for professional advice.

Fit, care and ordering

The steps common to all sports are in the instructions and the comparison.

In taekwondo, check the colour required by your sparring rules before ordering, then test the model with your head guard in training.